By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Dokan Karji community in Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, has strongly condemned a rejoinder disputing recent media reports on repeated bandit attacks and killings in their area. The community labeled the rejoinder as misleading, malicious, and an attempt to undermine their plight.
In a statement signed by the community’s Youth Leader, Alhaji Aminu Khalid, on Wednesday, the community expressed outrage over the rebuttal published in an online media outlet. The rejoinder allegedly dismissed earlier reports, published by national dailies, that detailed the devastating impact of banditry on their community.
“The attention of the Dokan Karji community has been drawn to a dubious report by a supposed reporter rebutting our widely published account of bandit attacks. This rebuttal discredits the suffering of our people and the atrocities committed in our villages,” the statement read.
The community emphasized that 14 villages in the area have been affected by bandit attacks, leading to displacement and land occupation by the criminals. They lamented that the rejoinder reporter, who hails from Southern Kaduna, failed to support efforts to draw attention to their predicament.
Discontent with Misrepresentation
The community criticized the reporter for portraying their claims as “frivolous, speculative, and exaggerated,” without providing concrete evidence to back up such assertions.
“He did not visit the affected areas or speak to our leaders to verify his claims. Instead, he shockingly disparaged credible reports and justified why the military could not protect us,” the statement added.
The community further accused the reporter of prioritizing image laundering over supporting displaced communities, saying:
“It is disheartening to read such malicious and misleading reports. The journalist dismissed our suffering without evidence and undermined efforts to secure help for our people.”
Call for Military Action
The Dokan Karji community urged the Nigerian military to investigate the bandit attacks thoroughly and verify the claims reported in the media.
“We will not be distracted or discouraged. We appeal to the military to conduct an investigation and provide the necessary support to ensure the security and well-being of our people,” the statement concluded.
The community remains resolute in its quest to bring attention to their plight and secure help for the displaced residents of Southern Kaduna.
